Looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and is oh-so-satisfying? Look no further than this Bang Bang Chicken Recipe! Imagine tender chicken breast strips, crispy on the outside, and coated in a delightful creamy sauce that perfectly balances sweet and spicy notes. The best part? You don’t need heavy cream to achieve that creamy goodness. This dish is easy to whip up and perfect for a family dinner or a fun night in with friends. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Chicken (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
Ready for a dish that feels like a warm hug? Bang Bang Chicken is creamy, crunchy, and packed with awesome flavor. It’s super easy to make and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
- Speed: Quick to prepare, ready in about 30 minutes.
- Texture: Crispy chicken with a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Pantry-Friendly: Uses common ingredients like chicken, eggs, and mayonnaise.
- Meal Prep: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying later.
- Dietary Notes: Can be easily adjusted for different dietary needs.
- Flavorful Options: Sweet, spicy, and mildly tangy all at once.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast – Tender and juicy base for the dish.
- 1 cup flour – Creates a crispy exterior.
- 2 eggs, beaten – Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – For that extra crunch!
- 1 cup mayonnaise – Provides creamy texture without cream.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – Adds a sweet and mildly spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste) – Brings the heat; adjust to your liking.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essentials for flavor.
- Vegetable oil for frying – Helps achieve crispiness.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken
Phase 1 – Prep
- Start by cutting the chicken breast into even strips.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Season the chicken and flour with salt and pepper.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with panko.
- Fry the chicken strips in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
Phase 3 – Serve
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
- Toss the crispy chicken strips in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately alongside your favorite veggies or rice.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Breading Technique: To get a better crust, press the panko crumbs onto the chicken firmly.
- Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra freshness.
- Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep it crispy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcrowding the pan when frying, which can make the chicken soggy instead of crispy. Give them space! Fry in batches if necessary.
Another misstep is not seasoning the chicken well enough before breading. A little salt and pepper can really enhance the flavor, so don’t skip this step.
Finally, pulling the chicken too early can leave it undercooked. Always check that chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free panko and flour.
- Dairy-free: Replace mayo with a dairy-free alternative.
- Spicy: Add extra sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Air fryer: Use an air fryer for a healthier cooking method.
- Instant Pot: Cook chicken in the Instant Pot for a quick meal, then add sauce.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken
- Best Pairings: Serve with jasmine rice or a fresh green salad.
- Toppings & Garnishes: Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of lime juice.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! Bang Bang Chicken is perfect for meal prep; just store the chicken and sauce separately until ready to eat.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken. Just remember that the texture may change slightly when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10–15 minutes, or use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before preparing.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
The mayo provides all the creaminess you need without the heaviness of cream.
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just ensure your cooking space can accommodate more chicken.
How to fix a too-thick sauce?
Add a splash of water or more sweet chili sauce to thin it out.
Bang Bang Chicken is a fun, flavorful dish that’s creamy without using heavy cream. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to rate and let me know how yours turned out! Explore more delicious ideas in our chicken recipes section!
Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast Tender and juicy base for the dish.
- 1 cup flour Creates a crispy exterior.
- 2 large eggs, beaten Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For that extra crunch!
- 1 cup mayonnaise Provides creamy texture without cream.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce Adds a sweet and mildly spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha Brings the heat; adjust to your liking.
- to taste salt and pepper Essentials for flavor.
- as needed vegetable oil for frying Helps achieve crispiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cutting the chicken breast into even strips.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Season the chicken and flour with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with panko.
- Fry the chicken strips in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
Serving
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
- Toss the crispy chicken strips in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately alongside your favorite veggies or rice.